Nationals assistant GM says goodbye
By Ryan Ritchey
We are less than a week removed from the Washington Nationals falling to the San Francisco Giants in the NLDS and the Nationals assistant General Manager, Bryan Minniti, announces that he is saying goodbye after five years, via email. There wasn’t supposed to be any overhaul of the front office after the quick exit from the postseason, but Minniti decided he wanted out.
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Minniti started his career in Pittsburgh, where he spent nine seasons, first as an intern, then as director of baseball operations after graduating from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in Mathematics and Statistics. He worked under four different GM’s in his nine seasons in Pittsburgh before he came over to the Nationals in 2009.
He was appointed assistant GM by Nationals current GM Mike Rizzo, where he took care of contract negotiations, budget work and roster decisions.
Minniti sent in an email Friday night that, “after five productive years with the Washington Nationals, it’s time for a change, so I’m leaving the organization.”
According to James Wagner of the Washington Post, Minniti added “that he is uncertain what is next for him, suggesting the next step could be outside of baseball.”
General Manager Mike Rizzo said the following in a written statement regarding the departure of his colleague,
"“Bryan has been an integral part of my staff for the past five years.” “The success we’ve had as an organization, building from 100-loss team to one that has captured two NL East Division Championships in the last three years, would not have been possible without him. He was a tireless worker and a trusted advisor. On behalf of the organization, I wish him nothing but the best in the future.”"
This is a huge loss for the organization as a whole. With multiple contracts having to be negotiated this offseason losing a guy like Bryan Minniti really hurts. This could change the plans of multiple deals made in the next couple of months. There was no statement regarding the replacement of Mr. Minniti.